A Cut Above
Guayaki Yerba Mate has the typical “Paraguayan” cut. In Uruguay, you will find that they prefer their mate cut to have even more powder. In Argentina, you will find the preferred cut is void of both powder and stems. In our years of research drinking mate in tea bags, through a French press, in a gourd or guampa, we have found that the Paraguayan cut delivers the smoothest balance of flavor.

Imparting the sweet nutty profile from the stem content balanced with the strength of the additional surface area from the powder, you have a full bodied mate with several characteristic layers of flavor. We like to consider the cut as a sort of “whole herb” approach, understanding that the stems add their own distinct function, and indeed carry an additional nutritional profile to the mate.

When packing a gourd, gently shaking the mate with a tilt allows the stems to rise, and the powder to drop. After inserting the bombilla, the gourd is tilted upright allowing the larger stems and leaf to surround the bombilla, and thus creating an additional “filter” layer that assists in keeping out the fine sediment. Without the powder, the mate needs additional time to impart its full flavor. With the powder, you get balanced flavor from the start, with the leaves and stem assisting in carrying the balanced flavor throughout the duration of the mate drinking session.

TO EXPERIENCE THE FULL HEALTH BENEFITS OF YERBA MATE DAILY, WE RECOMMEND STEEPING 1 1/2 TEASPOONS OF MATE PER CUP OF WATER.

The uplifting and nourishing choice of health-minded individuals, yerba mate boasts 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids and abundant antioxidants. Yerba mate is also known for its adaptogen-like qualities, which include reducing the effects of occasional stress.

Of the six commonly used stimulants in the world, yerba mate, coffee, tea, kola nut, cocoa and guarana, yerba mate, with naturally occurring caffeine, triumphs as the most balanced, delivering both energy and nutrition.

The Gaucho Blend (for a drip coffee maker) is potent and robust, with toasted nutty earthy tones, and a smooth malty finish. Gaucho's Fuerte Mate Blend brews a potent cup - "Fuerte" means "strong" in Spanish. Brews just like espresso in a drip coffee maker. It has a slightly larger grind than espresso.

How is it made?
Our Gaucho's Fuerte Mate Blend is 100% powdered yerba mate that is formed into granules that brews a rich, strong cup of mate in a coffee maker. Simply brew in a drip coffee maker using 2-4 teaspoons of Gaucho Fuerte Blend per cup of water.

How much does it make?
One pound will make 30 - 96 cups of Gaucho's Fuerte Mate Blend depending on strength - see brewing notes below. (96 teaspoons per pound 'or' 32 tablespoons per pound)

How to BrewWe recommend using 2-4 teaspoons of Gaucho’s Fuerte Mate blend per cup. Place granules in your drip coffee maker, then brew. You can add your favorite sweetener or creamer to your brewed cup according to your taste. Add the depleted brewed granules to your garden compost.

Light brew - 2 teaspoons per 8 oz. of waterMedium brew - 3 teaspoons per 8 oz. of waterBold brew - 4 tablespoon per 8 oz. of water
NOTE: (More than a tablespoon gives a darker, but more bitter taste.)

We have videos of how to prepare mate!
To watch the videos - click the icons below.

French Press:
Place yerba mate in the French press. Add hot water and steep for 3-10 minutes. We recommend using 1-2 tbsp of loose mate per cup. First, moisten the mate with cool water to protect the nutrients and flavor, then ADD HOT (NOT BOILING) WATER.

Coffee Maker:Place yerba mate in filter basket, then brew. We recommend using 1-2 tbsp of loose mate per cup. First, moisten the mate with cool water to protect the nutrients and flavor, then run the machine as usual.

Espresso Maker:
Yerba mate brews well in most espresso makers. Place 1-2 tbsp of loose mate in a double espresso portafilter. Pull a long shot for a total of 4 oz. Great for making mate lattés.

Excellent Product

By: RD of Matthews,NC

The Gaucho Fuerte Mate works great in a tea maker.
I make 1 gallon at a time and is the best drink on the planet.

7 of 10 people found review helpful.
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Great for making pitchers of mate.

By: Maggie of Conway Arkansas

We make one to two pitchers of mate a day with our coffee maker. We started out using the bags, then went to the bulk and last year tried the Gaucho Fuerte. It is the most convenient and economical and we love the flavor.

6 of 14 people found review helpful.
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Greatest Drink In The World!!

By: Mike Poole of Rainbow City, AL

I'm 53 yers old and have enjoyed drinking coffee since I was 15. Eventhough I loved the taste of coffee and especially like the mental boost I got from it, I had difficulty focusing my thoughts a couple of hours after drinking it. Anytime I tried to quit the habit I would get a very bad headache the first couple of days and then I would be somewhat lethargic for several weeks.
I used Yerbal mate to get off of coffee and was very pleased. I did not experience any withdrawal symptoms at all. No headache!! And the Yerbal Mate gives me the mental boost that I enjoyed with coffee without making my thoughts run wild or making me irritable. As a matter of fact my focus and concentration have improved 100% since replacing coffee with Yerbal Mate. Not to mention the physical boost I get. I drink my tea in the morning during my quiet time then I work out and get ready for work. Yerbal Mate is a Great Product and Guayaki is a wonderful company of purpose and integrity!

5 of 8 people found review helpful.
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Pure Energy

By: Anonymous of PA

My husband and I are addicted to this tea. It gives us energy to make it through the day with little calorie content and a boost of nutrients and caffeine that our bodies thrive for.

5 of 13 people found review helpful.
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Great Product/Great Company

By: Billy Brewer of Bangor, Wisconsin

A truly great product. I find it both healthy and satisfying. I also appreciated the free shipping.
I am from Wisconsin but had the good fortune to visit the business establishment in Sebastapool and was also impressed.
Keep up the good work!

4 of 8 people found review helpful.
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If 5 is the best, we think Gaucho Fuerte Mate is a solid 8+!!!

By: Tonnie & Ben of Milford, IN

Do not hesitate, add a French Press to your order (investigate these if you are ignorant, their sizes/prices can be confusing..the 8 Cup BODUM offered here is perfect for us and the highest quality!

4 of 8 people found review helpful.
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Review of tea

By: Theresa Hurd of Kill Devil Hills, NC

Very satified

4 of 11 people found review helpful.
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Left much to be desired

By: Lupe of California

I bought the Gaucho fuerte mate expecting it to be similar to the traditional flavor, but its stronger and extremely bitter. I didn't enjoy drinking it, even thought I followed the instructions to prepare it. I also tried making it different ways like with a french press. Still the flavor was not pleasing. Next time I will stick to loose leaf or teabags traditional (or mint) mate.

4 of 7 people found review helpful.
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Didn't see it coming

By: Ethan Rainwater of Eugene

I am quite enjoying your Gaucho Fuerte, although I must say that I didn't know it was going to be these weird, instant-coffee-looking crystals, which kinda threw me off. I saw no indication that this was what I was going to be receiving on your website. Maybe you should let people know what they;re getting into...Otherwise, this stuff is great! Every day!

3 of 8 people found review helpful.
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Game Changer

By: David of Palmiter

I have been drinking this product now for 2 years. It has changed my life. No more coffee breath, not crash.
The Sustained energy is amazing. I drink about 6 ounces in the AM, and then some in the afternoon.
I bring it with me on trips. And tell everyone to try it. The most important thing again is the sustained energy, without the side effects from coffee.

3 of 4 people found review helpful.
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